Teacher’s Assistant

Teacher's Assistant

Under direct supervision the Teacher's Assistant supports teachers in activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, educational and intellectual needs of the children, based on knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood theories and practices. Provides high quality services to children and their families as outlined in the Head Start Performances 1304.21, Indian Health Services Tribal Health and Safety Code and Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines.

Maintains a safe and healthy learning environment and maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists in implementing lesson plans in a manner that will develop each child's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social behavior and in accordance with Head Start strategic plan; assists with planned activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills.
• Assists teachers in providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences in all curriculum areas to foster whole child development; avoids activities causing over-stimulation or fatigue.
• Assists in analyzing and appraising children's progress and maintains accurate written records, including assessments, documentation, screening instrumentation, anecdotal observations, and other forms in a child's working file.
• Accompanies children on field trips or to activities.
• Instructs children in practices of personal cleanliness and self-care.
• Fosters cooperative social behavior; promotes self-expression and appreciation of aesthetic experiences.
• Ensures the cleanliness and safety of materials, classroom, and playgrounds by performing routine inspections.
• Maintains effective working relationships with parents by assisting with parent participation.
• Completes daily documentation and monthly reports as assigned.
• Participates in and attends parent meetings and family visits with the teacher as available.
• Assists teacher in implementing established classroom rules and routines and ensures that they are understood and accepted by children and their parents.
• Contributes to a team effort and approach.
• Participates in family intake and parent/teacher conferences.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

· Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education; or Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate, plus one (1) year experience working with pre-school children; or combination of education and experience.

· Must be certified in First Aid and CPR, food handlers, blood borne pathogens, and mandated reporting within thirty (30) days of employment.

· An annual physical and satisfactory health requirements as defined by the federal program standards must be completed

· Must possess and maintain a valid California or Nevada driver's license or capable of obtaining one within thirty (30) days of employment.

· Must be able to be insurable by the Tribe's Driving Policy.

· Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

· Preference will be given to Qualified Native American Indians.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and

Certifications:

· Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.

· Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.

· Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

· Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.

· Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

· Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

· Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for young children.

· Ability to respond to emergency or crisis situations.

· Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, and software for tracking child outcomes and data analysis (Teaching Strategies, National Center…